2022 WINEMAKERS RESERVE MERLOT
The 2022 growing season in the Finger Lakes was warm, dry, and largely favorable, resulting in a harvest that produced ripe fruit with excellent concentration and balance, creating near-perfect conditions for our Winemakers Reserve Merlot. Climate in the Finger Lakes has historically presented a challenge for Merlot, which is less cold-hardy than its siblings Cabernet Franc or Lemberger, making it susceptible to winter damage. It requires a relatively long growing season to achieve full ripeness, which cooler autumns in the Finger Lakes can often complicate; 2022 dealt us the perfect conditions to.
This wine was aged in a combination of new and neutral barrels for 24 months. Careful utilization of pigeage (punch-downs) and remontage (pumping over) were employed to enhance extraction of color and tannin during fermentation.
(We're sorry that we are unable to ship this wine to Connecticut)
91 points & Gold Medal, New York Wine Classic 2026
94 points, James Suckling, 2025
A very concentrated cool-climate merlot that has fantastic balance of concentrated velvety tannins and red plum fruit. So much drive, but every bit as much freshness. Extremely long, fine finish. Still very youthful. Drink or hold.
-Stuart Pigott, Senior Editor
Cool climate Merlot is a hidden gem in the wine world. Fresh acidity and the harnessing of delicate fresh fruit makes this wine a delight in its youth, exhibiting bright flavors and aromas of cranberry, red plum, and pomegranate. Extended barrel aging heightens the complexity of the wine which also displays notes of black raspberry, cedar, cocoa, and black tea, all of which are enveloped in warm baking spices, which will continue to develop in bottle. Structured and powerful. This wine will reward further cellaring.
100% Merlot
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